Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 12, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 25:19-34)

Isaac’s wife Rebekah proves to be barren but, after he prays, she soon conceives twin boys. The Lord informs her that, surprisingly, the older will come to serve the younger. Years later, the elder, Esau, offhandedly sells his birthright to his twin, Jacob.

Psalm (Psalm 119:105-112)

The Psalmist, although severely afflicted and under threat, declares his confidence in the word of the Lord, his heritage forever. It will light his way and provide him with life itself.

Second Reading (Romans 8:1-11)

Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the demands of the Law and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life.

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom for those who understand. Those who do not, or who wilt under persecution, or allow the cares of the world and its wealth to distract them, will wither.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Following the Lord involves a struggle
  • The Word and Ways of God need to be embraced with care and followed with diligence
  • The Word of the Lord endures forever
  • The Word of the Lord will accomplish what it sets out to do, one way or the other

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in you.
May we find peace in your service,
and in the world to come, see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 55:10-13)

Isaiah affirms that the word of the Lord is as fruitful as rain and snow, always accomplishing its purpose. He tells Israel that it will come back from exile in great joy and peace. The event will be an everlasting memorial, with creation itself transformed.

Psalm (65:[1-8], 9-13)

The Psalmist celebrates God’s active care in answering prayer, forgiving sins, living among his people and delivering them. As creator and sustainer, he is the hope of all humanity, which benefits from his watering of the earth to produce fruit in abundance.

Second Reading (Romans 8:1-11)

Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the demands of the Law and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life.

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom for those who understand. Those who do not, or who wilt under persecution, or allow the cares of the world and its wealth to distract them, will wither.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Following the Lord involves a struggle
  • The Word and Ways of God need to be embraced with care and followed with diligence
  • The Word of the Lord endures forever
  • The Word of the Lord will accomplish what it sets out to do, one way or the other
  • God reaches out to all, but all do not reach out to God

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in you.
May we find peace in your service,
and in the world to come, see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  AMEN

Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 21, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 21:8-21)

After Isaac the son of promise is born, Sarah wants Abraham to get rid of Hagar and her son Ishmael, Isaac’s half-brother. He agrees only after God assures him that they would prosper. God then saves them from certain death after hearing their cries in the desert.

Psalm (Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17)

In a time of great need the Psalmist pleads with the Lord for deliverance, confident of the steadfast love of the one true God for all those who cry out to him, even if they are of humble origin.

Second Reading (Romans 6:1b-11)

Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through baptism into his death and resurrection: our old self dies and we are raised to new life. Now alive to God and dead to sin, we are enabled to walk in newness of life.

Gospel (Matthew 10:24-39)

Jesus warns that his followers will come under persecution for making his message known. They are not to fear, as his Father cares for even the tiniest bird that falls. Obeying Jesus is costly, even cutting across family lines, but brings life beyond death.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord provides for those participating in his mission
  • The Lord is ever attentive to the cries of his faithful people
  • Walking in obedient witness does bring its difficulties but God is with us
  • Being united with Christ commits us to a life patterned on his
  • Commitment to Jesus takes precedence over all other commitments, even family ones

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord; and you also are witnesses. John 15.26, 27

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God our defender,
storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair,
deliver your sons and daughters from fear,
and preserve us all from unbelief;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 20:7-13)

Jeremiah complains to the Lord because he has been persecuted by his fellow Israelites for delivering an unwelcome divine word. As a prophet, Jeremiah realizes he has had no choice and comes to realize that the Lord is with him and will prevail.

Psalm (69:7-10 [11-15], 16-18)

The Psalmist recounts the negative things that have happened to him because of his faithfulness to the Lord, including the estrangement of his family. At the same time, he is prayerfully trusting in the steadfast love of the Lord for deliverance.

Second Reading (Romans 6:1b-11)

Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through baptism into his death and resurrection: our old self dies and we are raised to new life. Now alive to God and dead to sin, we are enabled to walk in newness of life.

Gospel (Matthew 10:24-39)

Jesus warns that his followers will come under persecution for making his message known. They are not to fear, as his Father cares for even the tiniest bird that falls. Obeying Jesus is costly, even cutting across family lines, but brings life beyond death.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord provides for those participating in his mission
  • The Lord is ever attentive to the cries of his faithful people
  • Walking in obedient witness does bring its difficulties but God is with us
  • Being united with Christ commits us to a life patterned upon his
  • Commitment to Jesus takes precedence over all other commitments, even family ones

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord; and you also are witnesses. John 15.26, 27

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God our defender,
storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair,
deliver your sons and daughters from fear,
and preserve us all from unbelief;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. AMEN